India’s North East region has potential to be healthcare hub for SE Asia –Rijiju
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs of India, believes that the country’s North East region has the potential to become a healthcare hub for Southeast Asia.
“We can create a medical hub in the North East for our neighbors… Myanmar people want to come to North East for medical treatment and a few are coming to Dibrugarh (in Assam),” he said during the launch of an ambulance service by Hindustan Prefab Ltd.
“We are going to inaugurate the Moreh Integrated Check Post (ICP) in August,” he said. “We are now closer to the integration of Southeast Asian nations,” the minister said.
“There are some good facilities in Guwahati and Dibrugarh but other than the two cities, the scenario in the entire North East is not good,” he said.
While favorable policies from government were needed to improve the scenario, he appealed to the corporates to come forward and open medical facilities in the region. Emphasizing on public and private contribution in developing medical infrastructure, Rijiju said without development of medical facilities, society cannot develop.
“We need to do much more. Only government support will not suffice. Many important companies around the globe make massive contribution as part of CSR activities. I have called the companies, especially the Navratna companies, to come out and help the needy people,” he added.
He said medical care is essential but the lack of infrastructure has cost lost lives, especially those living in rural areas who do not have access to medical facilities.
